Daily Archives: November 13, 2008

Most librarians I know feel very strongly about equal access to library resources and services, the strict confidentiality of your library records, the importance of intellectual freedom, and a resistance to censorship. But wait, there’s more!

Here is the American Library Association’s Code of Ethics taken from ala.org:
I. We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.
II. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
III. We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
IV. We respect intellectual property rights and advocate balance between the interests of information users and rights holders.
V. We treat co-workers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith, and advocate conditions of employment that safeguard the rights and welfare of all employees of our institutions.
VI. We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.
VII. We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.
VIII. We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.

Also, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has its own privacy policy that promises that any information gathered from you, for example your name, address, phone number, email address, etc. will never be shared with outside parties. In addition, safeguards have been put in place on the data to ensure its security.